Social media sites are beginning to ‘gray!’

Social media usage may have reached a tipping point, according to a new report from, The Pew Internet and American Life Project.

It’s true, grandma did create a Facebook account to see her grandchildren.  However, it isn’t just grandma anymore who is frequenting social media sites.  More and more baby boomers are jumping on the social bandwagon-both personally and professionally.  Social media is finally starting to mature…

“The graying of social networking sites continues…said Mary Madden, Senior Research Specialist, Pew Research Center. “While seniors are testing the waters, many Baby Boomers are beginning to make a trip to the social media pool part of their daily routine.”

Fully 65 percent of adult internet users now say they use a social networking site like Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, up from 61 percent one year ago. This marks the first time in Pew Internet surveys that 50 percent of all adults use social networking sites.

Among the Boomer-aged segment of internet users ages 50-64, social networking site usage on a typical day grew a significant 60 percent (from 20% to 32%).

Consumer behavior continues to evolve and it’s continuing to evolve at every age range.  So no matter who your target audience or what your selling, social media should be considered an integral part of your media mix.

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